Ponsonby logs on to Mercedes-Benz New Actros
Computer distribution and installation specialist Paul Ponsonby has commissioned some high-tech hardware of its own in the shape of a specially-bodied 26-tonne Mercedes-Benz New Actros drawbar rigid.
The Birmingham-based operator is now using its new flagship to deliver large and fragile products throughout the UK and Europe for a customer portfolio that includes several high-profile IT manufacturers and wholesalers.
Supplied by Hatfield Dealer S & B Commercials, the New Actros 2536 LnR ENA has an aerodynamic 2.5m StreamSpace cab and state-of-the-art, 265 kW (360 hp) Euro VI engine mated to a standard-fit Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission. Its low-height chassis incorporates a rear-steer, lifting axle for enhanced manoeuvrability.
The truck’s insulated body and drawbar trailer are by Ekeri, a Finnish company which specialises in the production of transport equipment with side-opening doors.
Like all of Paul Ponsonby’s vehicles, the New Actros chassis is fully air suspended and fitted with padded rails, load locks and a high-capacity, full closure tail-lift – in this case, a Dhollandia unit with 3.0-tonne capacity.
Plated for operation at a gross train weight of 44 tonnes, the truck and trailer are finished in eye-catching silver, while the rig’s appearance is further enhanced by two sets of light bars and twin airhorns.
The 26-tonner is the biggest vehicle on Paul Ponsonby’s fleet of 12 trucks, all but two of which wear three-pointed stars. Most are 18-tonners although the line-up includes a couple of 12-tonners – one of these, a Euro VI Atego model, also arrived recently via S & B Commercials.
The trucks are used by two-man teams fully trained to handle a wide range of products including computers and telecoms equipment, printers, gaming machines and ATMs. Paul Ponsonby also relies on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans and Lutons for small deliveries and site surveys.
Mr Ponsonby, who founded the business that bears his name in 1998, says: “We bought the New Actros in response to increased customer demand for our services. It allows us to handle larger consignments and back haul to the UK more efficiently.
“The rigid arrived ahead of the trailer, so we’ve been running it solo for a few weeks. First impressions are very positive. I like the way Mercedes-Benz has been developing its range and the New Actros is definitely an improvement on previous models in terms of cab design, driver comfort and all-round quality. I’m pleased, too, with the early fuel consumption figures, as it’s already returning in excess of 12 mpg.”
Mr Ponsonby continues: “Our Mercedes-Benz vehicles have always been very reliable. We’ve had one breakdown in 15 years – that was in Belgium and the Mercedes Service 24h roadside assistance system had us back up and running again in no time.
“Our latest Atego replaces a 12-tonner which was the first new vehicle I bought. We had it repainted at eight-years-old and when we finally stood it down it had given us nearly one million kilometres of faultless service.”
Paul Ponsonby is a former double winner of Motor Transport’s Customer Care Award, and was also a finalist on two other occasions. As well as specialist distribution services, the company operates 80,000 sq ft of customs bonded warehousing at its headquarters in the Heartlands district of Birmingham.
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